The government cannot give you anything without first taking it from someone else.

Tjheli

I called and asked one of those management folks Steve referred to. In a nutshell, not "word for word" here is your answer.

"This is a practice used to verify that the overseas customer, making an order for the first time with a credit card, is actually the cardholder."

in MY opinion, with the credit card abuse and fraud problems that are much more difficult to persue from overseas, it is a way to help keep costs down and losses from happening with new accounts. This protects both YOU, as a cardholder, and THEM as a merchant. BTW, this is only for a first time order....subsequent orders are not subject to this "screening".

What a load...

The merchant is never at risk if the ship to address is the same as this bill to address, the customer's name is on the card (fax it over), and you supply the verification code on the back. Fill these requirements and VISA takes the hit every time if there is an issue.

Tord, shop somewhere else that has the proper technology in place to complete your order.

[QUOTE][What a load...

The merchant is never at risk if the ship to address is the same as this bill to address, the customer's name is on the card (fax it over), and you supply the verification code on the back. Fill these requirements and VISA takes the hit every time if there is an issue.

Tord, shop somewhere else that has the proper technology in place to complete your order.
/QUOTE]

I take you never heard of the other fraud with valid cards called "CHARGE BACK".